As homeowners, we each have a significant role to play in improving our homes’ energy performance, ultimately reducing our carbon footprint and waste. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is essential for conserving resources, saving money, and protecting the environment. Even simple changes can make a difference, enhancing property energy efficiency and contributing to the well-being of our planet and lowering household utility bills.
At Prestige Properties Ibiza, we are firmly committed to promoting energy efficiency and green living. In our previous article, "Energy Efficient Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza", we encouraged property owners and buyers to create energy-efficient homes. In this follow-up guide, we continue exploring ways you can achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle right from your Ibiza home.
Let’s dive into the latest tips and advice for homeowners looking to embrace sustainable living.
How to Save Energy at Home – Our Top Daily Tip for Your Ibiza Property
- Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs provide significant energy savings when compared to incandescent, halogen, or compact fluorescent light bulbs. LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent ones.
Making the transition to LEDs will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and lower CO2 emissions. This is an easy and highly effective way to save energy, making it a key change for energy-efficient homes.
- Wash Clothes in Cold Water
While washing clothes in hot water can be effective for heavily soiled items, it’s both expensive and harmful to the environment.
Whenever possible, use cold water (30 degrees) for your laundry. Heating water accounts for up to 90% of the energy consumption of washing machines. By switching to cold water, you’ll save energy and reduce wear on your clothes, preserving colors and fabrics.
- Air Seal Your Ibiza Home
As mentioned in our previous article A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks in your home and adding insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Key areas to address include roofing, solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges, water tightness, and damp-proofing. If your home still has single-paned windows, consider replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives for greater savings.
- Clean or Replace All Filters
Dirty or clogged filters in systems like air conditioners and dryers force them to work harder and consume more energy. Regular cleaning and maintenance can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%, ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your appliances.
- Optimise Your Fridge and Freezer Usage
Refrigerators and freezers operate most efficiently when full, but overfilling can restrict airflow and force them to work harder. Follow the manufacturer’s temperature settings to avoid excessive cooling, and clean out any ice build-up to ensure efficiency. This will help reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
- Use Natural Resources for Light, Shade, Heating, and Cooling
Take advantage of Ibiza’s abundant natural resources to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. During cooler months, let sunlight warm your living spaces by opening blinds and curtains, and in warmer months, use shades or tinted windows to block out excess heat. Reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems can lead to significant energy savings, as lighting alone accounts for about 12% of a household’s energy use.
- Mind Your Electronics and Appliances
Switch off electronics such as computers, TVs, and radios when they are not in use. Unnecessary standby power contributes to energy waste. Charging your phone overnight isn’t needed either—it only takes a few hours. Additionally, when using appliances like ovens, avoid opening the door frequently, as this causes heat loss. If possible, turn the oven off a few minutes early and let the residual heat finish the cooking process.
To further reduce energy consumption, use high-energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours when utility providers may offer lower rates. Whenever possible, air-dry laundry instead of using a tumble dryer.
- Thermostat Management for Ibiza Properties
Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can save you around 6–8% per degree on energy bills. Contrary to popular belief, setting the thermostat to extreme temperatures won’t heat or cool your home faster—it simply consumes more energy. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature according to your daily schedule, ensuring energy-efficient heating and cooling.
- Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce in Ibiza
Ibiza produced an average of 662 kg of waste per person in 2019, 36.4% above the national average. With the island’s landfill capacity struggling to keep up, waste reduction should be a priority. By adopting sustainable habits, we can reduce the impact on the environment and promote a cleaner, greener Ibiza.
In support of the EWWR (European Week for Waste Reduction), our beach clean-up initiatives highlight the importance of waste reduction.
According to IbizaPreservation, offers the following list of points to keep in mind act upon:
- Buy only what you truly need.
- Avoid items with excessive packaging.
- Refuse plastic bags and bring reusable ones.
- Opt for reusable products instead of disposable plastic.
- Compost organic waste.
- Use the island’s recycling points—yellow bins for packaging, green for glass, and blue for paper and cardboard.
- Donate or sell unused items, and buy second-hand when possible.
Every action counts, and the more we do collectively, the bigger the impact on our environment. Energy-efficient homes and mindful living create a cleaner, greener Ibiza for current and future generations.
Resources & Further Information
To dive deeper into sustainable living in Ibiza, explore the following resources:
By following these energy-efficient practices, you can play a part in protecting Ibiza’s natural beauty while reducing your carbon footprint. Let’s work together for a more sustainable future.
